passport photo validity

[rushy]

Hi I am travelling to France in March with my friend. Her son is now almost 17 but his passport photo was taken when he was about 9 or 10, obviously he looks a bit different these days, will the passport still be Ok, can't seem to find any info about this online.

Thanks

[jack daniels]

A childs passport needs to be renewed every 5 years until the age of 16, then they're classed as an adult, the passport will then be valid for 10 years.
He may need to apply for a new passport by the sound of it - is it out of date?
You need to allow at least 6 weeks for a passport application to be dealt with and then for a new one to be sent back.
You could speed it up a little if you go for the passport check & send service that is carried out by some of the post office branches. They will send it off by fast track & you'll get your passport back within 2 weeks.
Because of the change in appearance of the child, section 10 of the application form will need to be filled in by someone who has known him for at least 2 years (teacher, doctor etc..) and one of the photo's will have to be certified & signed by that person too.

The background colour has to be either light grey or cream in colour - they'll reject it if it is white (changed rules in October 2008)

here are some useful sites:

http://www.ips.gov.uk/passport/apply-child-rul es.asp

http://www.ips.gov.uk/passport/apply-post-offi ce.asp

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport /TravellingAbroad/PassportsAndVisas/DG_1001498 4

hope this helps

[alavahalf]

Hope this helps....although I've got a feeling you may need to invest in a new passport....

http://www.ips.gov.uk/passport/apply-photos-st andards.asp

[rushy]

Yeah thanks, I'm pretty sure his passport is not out of date, so as long as it is in date the picture is fine, is that correct?

Thanks

[jack daniels]

if his passport photo was taken what 6-7 years ago, then it would be expired since they need to be renewed every 5 years for a child????

[theshedman]

Hi, it's right that a child's passport only lasts five years so he would need new one. My son has just found that one out. You cannot fast track it though, you have to apply for a first adult passport and that means going for an interview these days, so I would apply in plenty of time. Check it out on the passport site.

[Narolines]

As I read the regulations, he will need a new passport anyway, having reached the age of 16 and therefore unable to travel on a child's passport under any circumstances.